'Most terrifying horror film ever' now streaming on Netflix

It's been called "one of the most terrifying experiences of my life" and a "terrifically, consistently scary horror movie".

And now The Autopsy of Jane Doe is available to stream on Netflix. If you're looking for scary films to watch for Halloween, then this is perfect. But be warned: this is a genuinely scary film set almost entirely within a morgue and dealing with the supernatural.

The plot surrounds the discovery of a murder scene in which a family has been killed. However, amongst the violence, a woman's apparently unharmed body is also discovered which does not appear to fit the crime scene. During the coroner's autopsy, they discover that the woman, who doesn't initially appear to have any injuries, is in fact missing her tongue, has several shattered bones and peat under her fingernails.

The film stars Brian Cox (of Succession) as the coroner and Emile Hirsch as his son who helps with the autopsy. Olwen Kelly plays Jane Doe, who has been described as the new face of terror.

The film drew very favourable reviews from critics. Writing in The Times, Donald Clarke said: "Fans of the genre will rejoice in the rare sight of a new kind of threat."

Jason Adams, writing on My New Plaid Pants, said: " It redefines gooseflesh. Hell, your scalp will crawl right off of you and into the seat beside you and then demand some of your popcorn, if you let it."

Stephen Prokopy, writing on Third Coast Review, said it was "a tightly wound, beautifully paced, and utterly terrifying bundle of darkness that doesn't forget to inject its characters with enough personality to make us care".

Legendary horror writer Stephen King said it was "visceral horror to rival Alien and early Cronenberg. Watch it, but not alone."

Is The Autopsy of Jane Doe based on a true story?

The film is not based on a true story but director André Øvredal decided to use a real person as the "body" in the autopsy, instead of prosthetics and practical effects. Actor Olwen Kelly was reportedly selected for the role out of the many actors who auditioned because of her yoga knowledge, which enabled her to control her body movements and breathing.

When was The Autopsy of Jane Doe released?

The film premiered in September 2016 at the Toronto International Film Festival. It didn't win major awards and was not a box office success, but did get glowing reviews and critical praise. It was directed by André Øvredal, who had previously directed the found footage horror movie Trollhunter. It stars Brian Cox, Emile Hirsch and Olwen Kelly.